Del. House panel releases mental health gun bill

Legislative Hall~WDEL File

A bill expanding the ability of authorities in Delaware to prohibit people with mental health issues from having guns is on its way to the state House for a vote.

The Health and Human Development Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to release the bill, which is aimed at ensuring that people deemed a danger to themselves or others don't have access to guns.

Under current law, a person who has been committed to a hospital or mental health institution for a mental disorder can be prohibited from possessing a gun.

The bill expands the mental health prohibition to include individuals deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Criminal defendants found guilty but mentally ill, not guilty by reason of insanity, or incompetent to stand trial also would be prohibited.